X Alan W

As a possible alternative Have a word with Pete Gilbert ay Charity Dock awhile back the was several in the yard could be possible cheaper /easier /way to go

I'm some what confused If you have not done much or any boating what is the pro /cons you seek & how will you know the best possible what suits you is a real pain in reverse as as been said hire a boat but then it will be only one example of what is out there

Around the turn of the Century some Badger boats on the "Maccy" had them Seems as though thy've ceased tradinhg Their boat "Brock"certainly did as I delivered to a different start point for a special one way trip

May the #1 of your faith protect you from "Enthusiastic amateurs"

You are correct on the details they were marketed at the time as a trail able NB the advertising didn't go on for to long so I assumed the take up rate was not high .ISTR the partners went separate ways wondered what had become Mr Sylvester

You get similar events with most "Niche"sports /hobby's etc but historic narrow boats are more limited in purpose /manufacture than most other groups ,steam fairs being the other that springs to mind ,historic boating is unique in that to achieve any movement the system has to be shared at all times with a much greater # of craft who's owners in many cases have no interest in historic units & as they out number the "oldie's their needs differ & the gap will grow as for some one who is a through & through leisure boater requiring all the "Mod Cons " of his /her residence on his/her floating residence & probably views a person buying a 70' boat with only 12/14' of it cabined over with a max of 8/10 ' to "live in"must view the enthusiasts of such " As Nuts"

Always understood they were to do with the Fly boating, but do't know the actual use, also at that time SUC had inspectors( mobile on horse back) to check on the( horses /boats as they belonged to the company for ill treatment /damage) & could have possibly been shelter ,for paper work /food /drink preparation & place to use for meals etc.for the mobile staff

I think it's following the modern trend of anyone/thing more connected with bygone days canal wise is seen as irrelevant to today's requirements so not much reliance/interest

They held Motor Cycle racing there in the 50's the circuit was interesting using part of the main runway /peri track the runway part was used like a 2 way road cones/hay bales down the centre very useful to gauge having taken the "U" turn at the end if the chased were being caught or the chasers were catching you Remember it as a very 'folky/friendly meeting

Sad the passing of another one of the Cottage industry crafts men restricted requirements to a small market but a product that would stand alongside the so called 1st division RIP Bob you left your mark

If you know where to get fabric carcass Cross Ply Tyres the Coir/ Rope fender makers would possibly ex change for a few beers or other goodies as they make by far & away the best outer cover for rope type Bow /Stearn fenders It always amazes me that a boat with between 2/5 guard irons needs fenders other than 2/3 of whatever type you choose "twixt"boat /bank Side fenders more so in locks cause problems that can be avoided

They are a disaster waiting to happen on greasy road surfaces more so if you ride over diesel spills /leaks the roads near Entrances/exits to bus stations is a prime example You used to be able to buy a Kevlar band (like a wider rim tape that fitted between the tyre inner casing & the outside of the tube)